Storage surface assembly

ABSTRACT

A storage surface assembly is provided for use as a shelf for holding storage items. This storage surface assembly is well suited for use in many industrial and/or commercial applications, where storage shelves must bear heavy loads and maintain their structural integrity while complying with fire codes requiring some amount of open area along the surface of the shelf. Therefore, there is provided a storage surface assembly for use in a standard commercial racking assembly, the storage surface assembly comprising a pair of extension members, and a plurality of traverse members extending between the pair of extension members, wherein the traverse members can be attached to the extension members by various methods, based on the requirements dictated by a particular storage environment.

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No.10/460,309 filed Jun. 13, 2003, the entirety of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a storage surface assembly for use as a shelffor holding storage items in industrial/commercialapplications/environments.

2. Background of the Related Art

Storage shelves used in an industrial/commercial environment must oftenbear heavy loads while still maintaining their structural integrity, aswell as resist the twisting and buckling forces generated when storageitems are loaded, unloaded, or moved. These industrial storage shelvesare also subjected to fire codes requiring some amount of “open area”along the surface of the shelf, dictated in most cases by the particularenvironment in which they will be used, as well as the types of items tobe stored.

The “open area” required by fire codes is typically 50% of the surfacearea of the shelf. This open area requirement was imposed to allow afire in the storage area to be more efficiently contained andextinguished, thus minimizing damage to storage items. Morespecifically, a shelf with an adequate amount of open area allows a fireinitiated on a lower shelf to move vertically up the storage rack,towards the sprinkler, allowing heat to dissipate more quickly andactivating the sprinklers before the fire has gained significantintensity. Closed shelves (shelves with little to no open area), whichmay provide adequate load capacity and structural integrity, would, onthe other hand, form an enclosed space between shelves, allowing a fireto build in intensity in that enclosed space, spread horizontally to aneighboring tack of shelves, and also delay deployment of the sprinklersystem, rendering the sprinkler system significantly less effective incontaining and extinguishing the fire. This 50% open area requirementposes a unique challenge in providing shelves with adequate structuralintegrity at a reasonable cost, while still meeting this open arearequirement. Current solutions, such as those discussed below, are notadequate.

Slatted wooden decking, although easily and inexpensively manufactured,has significant disadvantages in that it is less durable and motesusceptible to deformation than steel, and more likely to break undercontinued loading or changing environmental conditions. Its mostsignificant disadvantage is that it is highly flammable.

Wire mesh decking is a commonly used shelving solution inindustrial/commercial applications. Wire mesh meets the 50% open arearequirement, but, as wire mesh is simply laid across a series of crossbats, it remains unsupported across a majority of its load-beatingsurface, and thus deforms easily. Further, if one of the support bars isdamaged, it cannot be repaired or replaced without removal of the entirewire mesh, most likely resulting in replacement of the entire deck asrepair would not be cost effective. Additionally, due to the nature ofthe surface of wire mesh, especially after it has deformed, it isdifficult to load/unload/move storage items without damaging the storageitems and/or the wire mesh, as the mesh tends to catch on the storageitems, producing rips, punctures, or impressions. Wire mesh decks arenot easily manufactured or shipped, making them a more costly, lessefficient shelving solution.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,431 to Highsmith et al. discloses a storage tackwith storages surfaces formed by crossbars with tangs extending from theends which are then inserted into corresponding slots in the side beams.However, Highsmith's design is complicated, difficult and costly tomanufacture, and the shelving system must be used with Highsmith'sracking system and cannot be readily adapted for use in other rackingsystems. Further, as the bulk of the load on the storage surface iscarried by a very small tang at the end of the crossbar, Highsmith'sdesign cannot be used in commercial/industrial applications, whereshelves must bear heavy loads while maintain g their structuralintegrity.

Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,415 to Mulholland also discloses a storagerack with safety bars fitted to support beams by mating tabs and slots.Mulholland's design is complicated, difficult and costly to manufacture,and is for an entire racking system whose shelves cannot be readilyadapted for use with other racking systems.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,582 to Halstrick discloses a storage rack which usesa corrugated plate to form each shelf. Although Halstrick's designincorporates holes in the corrugated sheet to allow for a very limitedamount of open area, this design could not meet the 50% open arearequirement with out affecting the structural integrity of the shelf.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,944 to Kircher et al. discloses a storage racksimilar to Halstrick's which does meet the 50% open area requirement.However, there are several disadvantages associated with Kircher'sdesign. Kircher's corrugated deck is expensive to manufacture and ship,increasing cost to the user. If not properly secured in the rack, thedeck elements can spread over time due to the load applied by thestorage items, forcing the rack to carry more that its design load,thereby compromising the rack's structural integrity. Similar to wiremesh, the holes, unless properly finished, tend to shred storage itemswhen they are loaded, unloaded and moved.

The above references are incorporated by reference herein whereappropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternativedetails, features and/or technical background.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to solve at least the above problemsand/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages describedhereinafter.

According to the invention, therefore there is provided a storagesurface assembly for use as a shelf for holding storage items inindustrial or commercial environments. Some amount of the surface areaof the storage surface assembly remains open in order to provide foradequate circulation of air, heat dissipation, and water flow, and meetcurrent fire code requirements. The open area of the storage surfaceassembly would typically be at least 50% in order to comply with currentfire codes. However, as will become apparent in the discussion thatfollows, the storage surface assembly may be adjusted to meet a varietyof open area requirements, and is not limited to a 50% open area

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will beset forth in part in the description which follows and in part willbecome apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following or may be learned from practice of theinvention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realizedand attained as particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in detail with reference to thefollowing drawings in which like reference numerals refer to likeelements wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage surface assembly according toan embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2A-2B are perspective views of extension members employable in astorage surface assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2C is a cross sectional view of the extension members of FIGS.2A-2B;

FIG. 2D is a perspective view of an alternative extension memberaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2E is a perspective view of another alternative extension memberaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2F-2H are cross sectional views of stacked traverse membersaccording to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 2I-2M are perspective views of alternative extension members andalternative traverse members according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2N is a side view of the traverse member shown in FIG. 2M securedin the extension member shown in FIG. 2M;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a traverse member employable in astorage surface assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a cross sectional view of the traverse member of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a cross sectional view of a traverse member, in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 4A-4S are cross sectional views of alternatively shaped traversemembers according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a storage surface assembly according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 6A-6B are top views of a storage surface assembly according to anembodiment of the invention showing alternate grouping configurations oftraverse members;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a tack beam assembly according to anembodiment of the invention incorporating a storage surface assemblyaccording to the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the rack beam assembly of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage surface assembly according toan embodiment of the invention. The storage surface assembly 100 of FIG.1 is constructed of a plurality of traverse members 20 attached toextension members 30 at attachment members 40 to form a surface area 36.As shown in FIG. 5, at least a portion of the traverse members 20 arespaced apart from one another to form open spaces 50. In order to meetcurrent fire code requirements and in order to provide for adequatecirculation of air, heat dissipation, and water flow, at least 50% ofthe surface area 36 remains open via the open spaces 50 formed betweenthe traverse members 20.

It is well understood by one skilled in the art that the amount ofsurface area 36 that remains open can be either increased or decreasedbased on the number of traverse members 20 attached to a particular partof extension members 30, as well as the positioning of the traversemembers 20 along the extension members 30. In this manner, the storagesurface assembly 100 can be adapted to meet a variety of open arearequirements.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the extension members 30 comprise angleirons; however, other shapes and materials may also be appropriate. Thenumber of traverse members 20 used in the construction of the storagesurface assembly 100 can be adjusted to suit, for example, the size andload bearing capability requited for a particular application. However,the open air space must remain at least 50% for the above describedreasons.

FIGS. 2A-2B are perspective views and FIG. 2C is a cross sectional viewof an extension member 30 employable in a storage surface assembly inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. The extension members 30of the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2C comprise angle irons forming an angle θof 90 degrees; however, other angles may also be appropriate, dependingon the particular application. Likewise, the length a, width b andheight c of the extension member 30 can be varied as necessary,depending, for example, on a particular application's size and loadbearing requirements.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view and FIG. 3B is a cross sectional view of atraverse member 20 employable in a storage surface assembly inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. The exemplary traversemember 20 shown in FIGS. 3A-3B are formed in a

shape, with a bottom width f larger than a top width e; however, thelength d, top width e, bottom width f, and height g can be varied asnecessary, depending on, for example, a particular applications size andload beating requirements. For example, in the traverse member 20 shownin FIG. 3C, the bottom width is f substantially equal to the top widthe, with the attachment members 40 curved inward. Likewise, a number ofdifferent cross sectional shapes, such as those shown in FIGS. 4A-4S,may also be appropriate for the traverse members 20.

As shown in FIG. 5, the traverse members 20 are attached to theextension members 30 at attachment members 40. The attachment members 40serve to both fix the traverse members 20 in position along theextension members 30, and also to inhibit spreading of the traversemembers 20 due to the load applied by a storage item and subsequent lossof load bearing capability. The traverse members 20 which are used infabricating a single storage surface assembly must not necessarily be ofthe same cross sectional shape, and traverse members 20 of differentcross sectional shapes, such as, for example, combinations of thoseshown in FIGS. 4A-4S, may be combined to form a single storage surfaceassembly.

The traverse members 20 and extension members 30 can be made of avariety of different materials. Fabrication material may be selectedbased on, for example, load bearing requirements and the operatingenvironment for a particular application, as well as cost. For example,in a storage application where humidity and environmental degradationare factors, both the traverse members 20 and extension members 30 maybe made of a galvanized steel to inhibit material breakdown due to theenvironmental factors and subsequent loss of structural integrity.Likewise, in a storage application where cleanliness and appearance arefactors, such as in a commercial kitchen, both the traverse members 20and extension members 30 may be made of a stainless steel. Othermaterials may also be appropriate. Traverse members 20 and extensionmembers 30 may not necessarily be fabricated from the same material.However, attachment methods and environmental effects should beconsidered when selecting dissimilar materials for the traverse members20 and extension members 30.

In certain embodiments, the attachment members 40 may extend outwardfrom the main body of the traverse member 20, such as those shown in,for example, the embodiments of FIGS. 4A, 4E, 4I and 4M, and thetraverse member 20 is attached to the extension member 30 at theattachment member 40. In other embodiments, the attachment members 40may extend inward from an outer surface of the traverse member 20towards an inner center of the main body of the traverse member 20, suchas those shown in, for example, the embodiments of FIGS. 4B, 4F and 4J.In still other embodiments, one attachment member 40 may extend outwardfrom the main body of the traverse member 20, while the other attachmentmember 40 extends inward, such as those shown in, for example, theembodiments of FIGS. 4C-4D, 4G-4H, and 4K-4L.

There are numerous ways to effectively attach the traverse members 20 tothe extension members 30. Some of the methods of attachment well knownto those skilled in the art can include, but are not limited to, welds,screws, rivets, and the like. Attachment of the traverse members 20 tothe extension members 30 to form a storage surface assembly is notnecessarily limited to a single method of attachment within a singlestorage surface assembly. A combination of attachment methods may beused in assembling a single storage surface assembly, based on therequirements dictated by a particular application.

Additionally, with any of the above attachment methods, individualtraverse members 20 can be removed from the extension members 30 andreplaced with new/repaired traverse members 20 without completedisassembly of the storage surface assembly 100 or replacement of alltraverse members 20 while still maintaining the 50% open area. Thisallows for cost effective repair of the storage surface assembly 100,and a potentially longer term of use than related art systems.

In yet another embodiment, the extension members 30 are formed as shownin FIG. 2D with a recess 35 which is designed to mate with an end of thetraverse member 20 and allow for slidable assembly of the traversemember 20 into the recess 35 of the extension member 30. In this manner,movement of the traverse member 20 along the extension member 30, aswell as spreading of the traverse member 20 due to a load applied by astorage item is prevented by the sides of the recesses 35 rather than bythe attachment member 40.

The extension member 30 can also be formed as shown in FIG. 2E, withslots 36 positioned along a horizontal portion of the extension member30 and corresponding to the attachment members 40 of the traverse member30, allowing for slidable assembly of a single traverse member 20 suchas those shown in, for example, FIGS. 4A-4M, into the slots 36 of theextension member 30, or a “stack” of traverse members as shown in, forexample, FIGS. 2F-2H, and discussed below. A flat plate 31 is thenattached to a bottom surface of the extension member 30, with theattachment members 40 positioned therebetween, thus securing thetraverse members 20 in place.

The spacing of the slots 36 along the horizontal portion of theextension member 30 may be adapted to meet the requirements of a numberof different storage applications, and the slots 36 need not be equallyspaced. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 2F-2H, the attachment member 40of a first traverse member 20 can be placed on and aligned with anattachment member 40 of a second traverse member 20, forming a “stack”of attachment members 40. The stacked attachment members 40 of the firstand second traverse members 20 can then be slidably inserted into theslots 36. Stacked traverse members 20 need not necessarily have the samecross sectional shape or attachment member 40 orientation. For example,the traverse member 20 shown in FIG. 4A can be stacked with any of thetraverse members 20 shown in FIGS. 4B-4M and then slidably inserted intoslot 36. Likewise, the traverse member 20 shown in FIG. 4B can bestacked with any of the traverse members 20 shown in FIGS. 4A, 4C-4E,4G-4I, and 4K-4M, and so on.

Both the single and the stacked slidable attachment methods discussedabove may be employed with a variety of different traverse member 20combinations, and traverse members 20 need not all be of the same shapein a single storage surface assembly.

A snap fit procedure could also be employed in attaching traversemembers to extension members, as shown in FIGS. 2I-2M. FIG. 2I shows asnap fit extension member 32 with a vertical extension 33 formed alongits length, and notches 33 a and 33 b corresponding to the crosssectional shape of attachment members 23 a and 23 b of a snap fittraverse member 23 cut into the vertical extension 33 at predeterminedpositions along the length of the snap fit extension member 32. Whenattachment members 23 a and 23 b are aligned with notches 33 a and 33 b,a downward force applied to the snap fit traverse member 23 would causethe attachment members 23 a and 23 b to temporarily contract as theypass through the more narrow portion of the notches 33 a and 33 b, andreturn to their original shape once they enter the wider portion of thenotches 33 a and 33 b, thus securing the snap fit traverse member 23 tothe snap fit extension member 32. A similar procedure would be used tosnap fit the snap fit traverse member 23 to the snap fit extensionmember 32 shown in FIGS. 2J-2L.

FIG. 2M shows a snap fit extension member 32 with a vertical extension33 formed along its length. Notches 33 c and 33 d corresponding to thecross sectional shape of attachment members 23 c and 23 d of a snap fittraverse member 23 are cut into the vertical extension 33 atpredetermined positions along the length of the extension member 32.FIG. 2N shows this snap fit traverse member 23 secured to this snap fitextension member 32. The notches 33 c and 33 d are specifically shapedto accommodate the curved shape of the attachment members 23 c and 23 d.Each notch includes a protrusion 33 e which engages a corresponding slot23 e formed in the side wall of the snap fit traverse member 23 as theattachment members 23 c and 23 d are directed downward into the notches33 c and 33 d, thus securing the snap fit traverse member 23 to theextension member 32, as shown in FIG. 2N. Although the extension members32 and traverse members 23 shown in FIGS. 2M-2N include two protrusions33 e and two corresponding slots 23 e formed in each end of eachtraverse member 23, it is well understood that these elements could alsobe effectively secured with a single protrusion 33 e and slot 23 e ateither one end or each end of the traverse member 23. Other means ofattaching the traverse members to the extension member may also beappropriate based on the application, materials used, and other factorswhich may effect the assembly's performance.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a storage surface assembly according to anembodiment of the invention. The storage surface assembly of FIG. 5includes a plurality of traverse members 20 extending between twoextension members 30. The traverse members 20 are spaced apart from oneanother forming open spaces 50. In FIG. 5, the traverse members 20 areshown substantially equally spaced along the extension members 30.However, the amount of open space 50 between traverse members 20 may bevaried as shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, and various traverse member 20/open area50 spacing combinations may be appropriate, based, for example, on thedesired configuration and/or application. For example, the traversemembers 20 may be grouped, as in the embodiment of FIG. 6B, with theopen space 50 between groups in these alternative configurationsadjusted to conform to the open area requirement as necessary. In thismanner, the grouping and spacing of traverse members 20 along theextension members 30 may be adjusted to meet individual userrequirements without redesign of the base components of the storagesurface assembly 100.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a rack beam assembly according to anembodiment of the invention incorporating a storage surface assemblyaccording to the invention. The rack beam assembly of FIG. 7 includes astorage surface assembly 100 installed in a set of rack beams 200. Thetack beams 200, designed to fit one of many standardcommercial/industrial tacking systems, may be specified by the user andare well known in the industry. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tackbeam assembly 300. As shown in FIG. 8, the tack beam assembly 300 may beinstalled in a commercial/industrial racking system 400.

As evidenced by the numerous traverse member configurations, attachmentmethods, and grouping/spacing configurations discussed herein, thevarious embodiments of the invention provide clear advantages over therelated art with an easily and inexpensively manufactured anddistributed shelving solution that exhibits adequate load beatingcapability and structural integrity while still meeting the 50% openarea requirement, and which can be easily adapted to meet specific userneeds.

The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and arenot to be construed as limiting the invention. The present teaching canbe readily applied to other types of apparatuses. The description of theinvention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope ofthe claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will beapparent to those skilled in the art. In the claims, means-plus-functionclauses are intended to cover the structures described herein asperforming the recited function and not only structural equivalents butalso equivalent structures.

1. A storage surface assembly configured for use as a shelf in a tackingsystem, comprising: a pair of extension members; a plurality of traversemembers extending between the pair of extension members and spaced apartwith open air spaces therebetween so as to form a horizontal surfaceconfigured to receive storage items thereon, wherein each end of each ofthe plurality of traverse members is configured to be slidably insertedinto a corresponding pair of notches formed in each extension member,and wherein each pair of notches comprises at least one first protrusionconfigured to engage its respective traverse member so as to secure thetraverse member to the extension member.
 2. The assembly of claim 1,wherein the extension members comprise angle irons.
 3. The assembly ofclaim 2, wherein the angle irons are formed at an angle of approximately90 degrees.
 4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each traverse membercomprises an upper surface, two side surfaces, and an attachment surfaceextending from each of the two side surfaces such that the upper surfaceand two side surfaces of each traverse member form a hollow interiorportion.
 5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein each attachment surfacecomprises a curved portion which extends from a lower end of each of thetwo side surfaces, and a linear portion which extends from the curvedportion inward towards the hollow interior portion.
 6. The assembly ofclaim 4, wherein at least one of the two side surfaces of each end ofeach of the plurality of traverse members comprises a slot configured toengage with the at least one first protrusion formed in its respectivenotch so as to secure the traverse member to the extension member. 7.The assembly of claim 6, wherein each pair of notches further comprisesa second protrusion configured to engage with a distal end of the linearportion of the attachment surface of its corresponding traverse member.8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the second protrusion is configuredto restrict movement of the attachment surface within the notch.
 9. Theassembly of claim 8, wherein a plurality of pairs of notches are formedin each extension member, and wherein each of the pairs of notchescomprises a first protrusion and a second protrusion formed in eachnotch, and each end of each traverse member comprises a correspondingslot formed in each side surface thereof.
 10. The assembly of claim 1,wherein the ends of the plurality of traverse members are configured tobe coupled to the extension members by snap fit.
 11. The assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the pair of extension members are positionedsubstantially parallel to one another.
 12. The assembly of claim 1,wherein the plurality of traverse members extend substantially parallelto one another to form the horizontal surface.
 13. The assembly of claim1, wherein the plurality of traverse members are coupled to theextension members at predetermined distances apart so that a horizontalsurface area covered by the plurality of traverse members issubstantially equal to or less than a horizontal surface area formed byexposed areas between the plurality of traverse members.
 14. Theassembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of traverse members coupledto the extension members are equally spaced so that a horizontal surfacearea covered by the plurality of traverse members is substantially equalto or less than a horizontal surface area formed by exposed areasbetween the plurality of traverse members.
 15. The assembly of claim 1,wherein the plurality of traverse members limit movement of theextension members with respect to each other.
 16. The assembly of claim1, wherein the plurality of traverse members maintain the extensionmembers in a parallel position relative to one another.
 17. The assemblyof claim 1, wherein the plurality of traverse members prevent theextension members from moving in the longitudinal direction of theplurality of traverse members.
 18. The assembly of claim 1, wherein aslot is formed at each end of each traverse member, and wherein the slotis configured to receive a corresponding at least one first protrusion.19. A storage rack comprising the storage surface assembly of claim 1.20. A storage surface assembly configured for use as a shelf in aracking system, comprising: a pair of extension members; and a pluralityof traverse members extending between the pair of extension members soas to form a horizontal surface configured to allow storage items to bestacked thereon, wherein ends of the plurality of traverse members areconfigured to be snap fit into a corresponding plurality of notchesformed in the extension members; and a securing mechanism configured tosecure the ends of the traverse members in place within the notches. 21.The assembly of claim 20, wherein the securing mechanism for each end ofeach of the traverse members comprises: a protrusion formed on one ofthe traverse member and an extension member, and a slot formed on theother of the traverse member and the extension member, wherein the slotis configured to receive the protrusion.
 22. The assembly of claim 20,wherein each traverse member comprises an upper surface, two sidesurfaces, and an attachment surface extending from each of the two sidesurfaces such that the upper surface and two side surfaces of eachtraverse member form a hollow interior portion.
 23. The assembly ofclaim 22, wherein each attachment surface comprises a curved portionwhich extends from a lower end of each of the two side surfaces, and alinear portion which extends from the curved portion inward towards thehollow interior portion.
 24. The assembly of claim 23, wherein at leastone securing mechanism is provided at each end of each of the pluralityof traverse members, and wherein the securing mechanism comprises: afirst protrusion which extends from a side of one of the plurality ofnotches, wherein the first protrusion is configured to be inserted intoa corresponding slot formed in a corresponding side surface of an end ofa traverse member; and a second protrusion which extends from a side ofthe one of the plurality of notches, wherein the second protrusion isconfigured to engage a distal end of the linear portion of theattachment surface of the traverse member.
 25. The assembly of claim 24,wherein the second protrusion is configured to restrict movement of theattachment surface within the notch.
 26. The assembly of claim 25,wherein the first protrusion is configured to limit lateral movement ofits respective traverse member, and the second protrusion is configuredto limit vertical movement of its respective traverse member.
 27. Theassembly of claim 24, wherein each of the two side surfaces of each ofthe plurality of traverse members is inserted into a notch in anextension member, and wherein each of the notches comprises a securingmechanism.
 28. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the number of notchesformed in one extension member equals the number of notches formed inthe other extension member.
 29. The assembly of claim 28, wherein thenumber of notches formed in one of the extension members is twice thenumber of traverse members.
 30. The assembly of claim 20, wherein theplurality of traverse members are spaced along the pair of extensionmembers such that a horizontal surface area formed by the plurality oftraverse members is substantially equal to or less than a horizontalsurface area formed by exposed areas between the plurality of traversemembers.
 31. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the plurality of notchesare formed along a longitudinal portion of each of the extensionmembers, and are configured to correspond to a cross sectional shape ofthe ends of the plurality of traverse members.
 32. The assembly of claim20, wherein the extension members extend substantially parallel to oneanother.
 33. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the traverse membersextend substantially parallel to one another.
 34. A storage rackcomprising the storage surface assembly of claim
 20. 35. The assembly ofclaim 20, wherein only a portion of each end of each of the plurality oftraverse members contacts a respective extension member.
 36. Theassembly of claim 24, wherein each traverse member is configured tostand on and be supported by its at least one attachment surface. 37.The assembly of claim 20, wherein the plurality of traverse memberslimit movement of the extension members with respect to one another. 38.The assembly of claim 20, wherein the plurality of traverse membersmaintain the extension members in a parallel position relative to oneanother.
 39. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the plurality of traversemembers prevent the extension members from moving in a longitudinaldirection of the traverse members.